You may have noticed that many places are getting rid of plastic straws. Why? What’s the big deal? Here’s a breakdown of the effects of plastic straws and how to reduce their environmental impact.
Why Are Plastic Straws a Critical Discussion?
Plastic straws have become one of the most controversial topics regarding saving the environment. Many people believe that plastic straws are a significant contributor to pollution and argue that we should find alternatives. Others insist that plastic straws are not as harmful as some people make them out to be and that we should not overreact to the issue.
Are plastic straws really as bad as some people say?
It is important to note that plastic straws are made from petroleum. This means that they are not biodegradable; they will never decompose and will take hundreds of years to decompose. They will just sit in landfills or the ocean forever.
This is not good for the environment.
Plastic straws are often used for a short period before being thrown away. This means that a lot of energy and resources went into making them, only to be used for a few minutes and then discarded.
Also, plastic straws can be harmful to wildlife. Animals can mistake them for food; if they ingest them, they can block their digestive system and potentially kill them.
Lastly, plastic straws are a significant source of ocean pollution. They typically end up in the ocean, damaging marine life and polluting the water.
So, these are enough reasons to be concerned about plastic straws and their environmental impact. However, it is essential to remember that straws are just one small part of the much larger problem of plastic pollution.
How Does the Australian Government Deal With the Plastic Straw Problem?
As plastic straws have increasingly come under fire for their contribution to ocean pollution, the Australian government has been working on ways to reduce their use. One of the most recent initiatives is to phase out single-use plastics like straws and cutlery by 2025 [1].
This is a major step in combating the plastic pollution problem, as it will reduce the amount of plastic waste in our oceans. Whilst the phase-out of single-use plastics is a major step in the right direction, it is only one part of the puzzle. The government must also continue to invest in other initiatives to reduce plastic waste if we are to make a dent in this global issue.
Should We Stop Using Plastic Straws?
Plastic straws have become a hotly debated topic in recent years as more and more people are becoming aware of the damage that plastic pollution is causing to our environment.
There are many reasons why Australians should stop using plastic straws. Besides being a significant source of marine pollution, they take centuries to break down, which will outlast several generations of humans. This means the pollution they cause will be around long after we’re gone. Also, plastic straws are often made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. So, their production is contributing to climate change.
So, should we stop using plastic straws? The answer is yes! Fortunately, paper straws, metal straws and compostable straws are more sustainable. Let’s make the switch and reduce pollution caused by plastic straws.
What Can You Do About the Plastic Straw Problem?
Plastic pollution is a serious problem, and straws are one of the biggest offenders.
So what can you do about it? Here are a few tips:
- Say no to straws when you’re out and about.
- If you must use a straw, choose a reusable one made of stainless steel, glass or bamboo.
- Bring your reusable shopping bags and water bottles to reduce the need for disposable plastic bags and bottles.
- Recycle the plastic straws you do use. Check with your local council to see if they accept plastic straws in their recycling program.
- Support businesses that are working to reduce plastic waste, such as those that offer paper straws or no straws at all.
- Use compostable straws and other compostable packaging solutions.
How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at Home
Most of us are aware of the need to protect our environment. We know we should recycle, use less water and electricity and drive less. But many of us must realise that the average person’s carbon footprint is much larger than these activities. The most significant contributors to our carbon footprint are the things we use daily in our homes like our furnaces, water heaters and air conditioners.
The good thing is, there are several things we can do to reduce not only our usage of single-use plastics but also our carbon footprint at home. Making a few simple changes in how we use energy can significantly impact the environment.
Here are some tips:
- Use energy-efficient appliances. When it’s time to replace an old appliance, choose one that uses less energy than standard models, and they’ll also save you money on your utility bills.
- Get a home energy audit. Many utility companies offer free or discounted home energy audits. An auditor will come to your home and assess how much energy you’re using and where you could save. The auditor will recommend saving energy.
- Insulate your home. Good insulation keeps your home warm in the winter and cools in the summer, so you’ll use less energy to heat and cool your home. Check around doors and windows for gaps where air can leak in or out. Caulking and weather-stripping are easy ways to seal up these gaps.
- Use energy-efficient light bulbs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last 10 times longer. Replacing just one 60-watt incandescent bulb with a CFL can save you $30 over the bulb’s life.
- Reduce your water usage. One of the easiest ways to do this is to install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators. You can also save water (and money) by fixing leaks in your home’s plumbing.
Bonnie Bio: Sustainable Compostable Packaging in Australia
Bonnie Bio is the place to go if you’re looking for the best compostable straws. We believe that environmentalism and convenience don’t have to be mutually exclusive. That’s why we offer high-quality compostable straws, so you can enjoy your drink without worry.
If you’re looking for a more sustainable option, compostable straws are the way to go. Our compostable straws are perfect for any occasion. Visit this page and stock up on all of your eco-friendly supplies!
